Starter Tailored Kilt Advice

**liammaclean** · 20th May 17, 09:33 AM

Hallo all! Due to a flurry of activity in the last couple months, I've managed to snag a good 3 kilts and begin to replace my day wear pants with kilts. At this point, I feel ready to go a bit more all out and get a tailored kilt. I love my current selection (2 Sports kilts, one standard modern UT Kilt, and one of Stillwater's economy kilts), but I want to experience what all the fuss is around custom kilts. All that said, I have no idea where to look or even what material to use. I've been bouncing mostly between Scotsweb and USAKilt and I'm still not sure if I want to go PV or Wool (if I go PV I'll likely go 8 yard, and if wool 5 yard).

My big concern with the wool is that it will stain easily and be hard to clean. I'm rather unfluent in clothing, so I'm not sure if that is something I should be concerned with. A 5 yard wool would likely becoming my "dress kilt" for nicer occasions, so while it wouldn't really be a pub kilt, I would still end up eating in it and I'm a bit of a messy eater. On the other hand, is the PV going to resist stains any better? I'm also worried that I don't have the experience cleaning to deal with a wool kilt. Any tips about how time consuming (or not) this is?

My other concern is getting a decent swish. I hear so much about it, but with my kilt selection (5 yard PVs, and an acrylic), I don't feel like I've really experienced it. Would I be getting decent swish with an 8 yard PV?

Also, looking at Rocky's website I noticed that a hip measurement above like 32 costs extra. I measured myself and I'm at like 34.5. I don't mind paying the extra 10 dollars at all, It's just that the extra cost makes me worry that I've measured wrong as I wonder if my measurement is outside people's normal range (hence the extra cost).

Last thing, I've been thinking about getting a box-pleated kilt down the road but I care never really find anyone who carries them. Anyone know any?

Thanks all, love this community and you've made my return to kilting (or being-kilted?) super easy with your fantastic advice!

**FossilHunter** · 20th May 17, 01:28 PM

I can whole heartedly recommend the USA kilts semi traditional which wears like a wool kilt but is made of lighter fabric than wool (my major consideration in buying one). Mine fits perfectly and rocky was great when it came to advice on my measurements (for instance, he thought I was presenting a touch short but when I explained I wanted it at the top of the kneecap, he said it was reasonable from that perspective).

I haven't had to wash mine yet but I like that it will be fairly easy should I ever have to. Keep in mind that with our exchange rate and import taxes, British goods are pricey for Americans. I've been trying to buy Canadian and American when I can just for economic reasons. Shipping your usa kilt back fo repair or adjustment will also be cheaper than back to the U.K.

Not that people shouldn't buy from the U.K., only that it is something to keep in mind.

**Richrail** · 20th May 17, 01:49 PM

I have 4 USAkilts in PV and 4 USAkilts in 5 yard wool. In the PV I have 3 casual and one Semi-Traditional. The PV are my go to in the summer time, for lots of outdoor activities like grilling parties and camping and hiking they are super easy to maintain. For nicer activities like going out to dinner and movies or the symphony I go with the wool.

**derosa** · 20th May 17, 03:05 PM

I have a 5 yd knife in wool that I wear on special occasions and it has remained unstained, I have a 4yd box in wool that I wear about regularly. Sitting in a meeting today I noticed one corner of the apron is starting to fray but 7 years on there are still no discernible stains. I'd say it isn't much of a concern, just put your napkin on your lap when eating which is the polite thing to do anyways.

**liammaclean** · 21st May 17, 12:49 AM

After letting it knock around in my head for a while and reading the stuff here, I think I may actually go with a Casual from Rocky. I've never read a bad thing about USA Kilts and I am excited to order one of my own. I mean, I figure I've loved my off the rack kilts so much, I can't imagine how great a custom one will be. I think I'll get a wool kilt later on this year (likely from Stillwater, I love my last kilt I got from there and the free flashes are tempting) as I gear up for the cold Massachusetts winter. Thanks all!

**bonnie heather** · 21st May 17, 06:03 AM

Last thing, I've been thinking about getting a box-pleated kilt down the road but I care never really find anyone who carries them. Anyone know any?

Thanks all, love this community and you've made my return to kilting (or being-kilted?) super easy with your fantastic advice![/QUOTE]

If you're interested in a 4 yard box pleated kilt, down the road, I'd be very happy to make one for you.

For quite a few years I've been making them for the Scottish Tartans Museum and also specialize in custom making them directly for individuals at a reasonable price.